White Willow Bark Uses

Pain Relief

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), evidence shows that white willow bark reduces pain, much as aspirin does. The UMMC cites a study of 200 people struggling with low back pain. Participants were either given white willow bark or a placebo. Those who received the white willow bark reported significant improvement in their pain.

  Children younger than 16 shouldn't take white willow bark, because of the risk of Reye Syndrome. For pain relief, adults can take white willow bark as a dried herb, a powdered herb or as a tincture. They can use about 1 to 2 tsp of the dried herb to make a tea, or take the powdered herb in capsule form. The UMMC recommends 60 to 240 mg a day. A white willow bark tincture contains 30 percent alcohol, and adults should take 4 to 6 mL a day. People allergic to salicylates and pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn't take white willow bark.

Headaches

• Willow bark can take away headache and migraine pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, evidence suggests that white willow bark causes less stomach upset than other headache medicines, such as Advil. The UMMC, though, says that further studies need to be done before those with a history of stomach problems try white willow bark. One of the side effects of white willow bark is stomach bleeding and ulcers, though the effects appear to be milder than other headache relief medicines.

Inflammation

• As early as 400 B.C., Hippocrates is said to have advised patients to chew on white willow bark to reduce inflammation. Research now shows that white willow bark is effective against inflammatory conditions, such as tendinitis and bursitis, the UMMC says. People who take NSAID drugs for inflammation might find that white willow bark also is effective, and it has fewer side effects. Those who take NSAIDS can use white willow bark in addition to their normal medication to reduce pain as needed.